Yahoo Lifestyle Roy Wood Jr. Rejects Andy Cohen’s Tequila Shot On CNN: “The Last Black Man To Drink On This Network Got Fired”
Roy Wood Jr. was extra cautious while appearing on CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen and refused to drink alcohol.
The Daily Show alum appeared on the live special and rejected Cohen’s offer at a tequila shot to celebrate the new year.
More from Deadline
“Oh, no!” Wood Jr. said while his Have I Got News For You co-stars, Michael Ian Black and Amber Ruffin, accepted the tequila shot offer. “No, I don’t. The last Black man that drank on this network got fired. I’m going to keep it with water for right now. I need some stability.”
Cohen and Cooper ignored Wood Jr.’s comments and didn’t follow up with that statement. The Watch What Happens Live host went on to pour a shot for Black and Ruffin.
Wood Jr. seemingly alluded to former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who used to host New Year’s Eve coverage for the news network and was known for drinking on-air while doing it. Lemon and CNN parted ways in 2023 after 17 years at the network.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play,” Lemon said. “With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best.”
Lemon’s CNN termination came after a series of remarks that generated controversy at the network.
Watch the moment in the video below.
Roy Wood Jr. refused tequila shot on #CNNNYE: "The Last Black Man To Drink On This Network Got Fired" pic.twitter.com/X9DeQG5gPm
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) January 1, 2025
Best of Deadline
The 2025 Golden Globes Parties & Events Photo Gallery: Red Carpet Rollout
The Highest Grossing Movies At The Box Office Every Year Since 1977
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
